Faces in the News: Kurt D. Zwikl

Kurt D. Zwikl, executive director of the Schuylkill River Greenway Association, at the recent opening of a new section of the Schuylkill River Trail in Bern Township.

Why he's in the news: Zwikl's organization has been working to build the Schuylkill River Trail, a 130-mile pathway that will run from Philadelphia to Pottsville. The organization, which manages the Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a section in Bern Township.

Personal: Zwikl, 64, was born and raised in Allentown, where he resides with his wife, Barbara. They are the parents of two grown children and have two grandsons.

Education: Zwikl has a bachelor's degree in history and government from East Stroudsburg University and a master's degree in American history from Lehigh University.

Career history: In 1973, Zwikl was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. At 24, he was the youngest member of the House. After serving six terms, he transitioned to the banking industry, eventually becoming a senior vice president at First Union National Bank. In 1996, he became president of Allentown Economic Development. He joined the Schuylkill River Greenway Association as executive director in 2003.

Hobbies: Zwikl is a runner and enjoys hiking and biking and following the Philadelphia Eagles. He also likes to read about American political history and has published a number of articles on state and local history.

About the job: As director of the greenway association, Zwikl manages a staff of six. The organization organizes the annual Schuylkill River Sojourn, a weeklong canoe and kayak trip that runs from Schuylkill Haven to Philadelphia. The group is also building the Schuylkill River Trail in Berks and Schuylkill counties and has constructed the River of Revolutions Interpretive Center at its offices along the trail in Pottstown.

What made him want to get involved: "Generally speaking, we use conservation, recreation, education, cultural and historic preservation and tourism as tools for community revitalization and economic development. I have been involved in the heritage development movement since my days in the Legislature. So I have long had an interest in helping communities use these tool to improve their local economy and quality of life. Additionally, the Schuylkill River is a source of drinking water for over a million people in the region, and it is important that we look after the river as an important natural resource. This work is important, it is fun, and I believe we are having an impact."

About the approximately half-complete Schuylkill River Trail: "It will take additional resources and the commitment of public officials and private citizens alike to continue to grow the trail. First of all, the Schuylkill River Trail is an important recreational component for area residents, so it is important that sections continue to be built. Secondly, as the pieces are connected, the communities that it passes through will feel the economic impact. Studies have shown that the longer a trail is, the more likely people are going to spend more money traveling from greater distances to visit and ride the trail and perhaps stay overnight to experience the region."

Favorite activity along the Schuylkill: "I have run, biked and walked on the Schuylkill River Trail, but I think my favorite thing to do is take a short brisk walk on the trail at lunchtime or in the early afternoon. It invigorates me and makes me feel like I have accomplished something. Everyone should try it."

How to join in: "Every day more people are learning about the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and the things we are doing to make this region a better place to live. I would like to invite people to check out our website at www.schuylkillriver.org or contact us and get involved in one of our activities, or better yet, make a contribution financially or as a volunteer."